2007 Chevrolet Malibu Normal Temperature Gauge Reading

KRISTINAWHITE09

MEMBER
2007 CHEVROLET MALIBU
3.5L
6 CYL
FWD
AUTOMATIC
161,000 MILES

Firstly, thank you so much for all the help you've provided already! I first had a TCM issue. Had that replaced and programmed. Then, I had an O2 sensor issue. Replaced it with a Bosch sensor, still had a CEL on, realized Bosch's heat resistance isn't correct for my car, so now I've bought the AC Delco for my car and will have it put in after the part comes in. Now, I'm getting a slight movement in the temp gauge. I'm pretty sure it never used to go over the mid-line at all. Now, it's going just above it but not quite to the next line. It's not near the red yet but I don't want to wait until that happens to do something about it. It'll go up just a little, then go back down to half. Does this sound normal? Or does it sound like there may be air in the coolant system? I just had a new serpentine belt put on too. I'm going to have that checked when the O2 sensor is put in to make sure it's on right.

1 Reply

CARADIODOC

MECHANIC
33,912 POSTS

Unless there's more to the story, it's likely you don't have a problem. Sensors for dash gauges are notoriously inaccurate. Also, it's common for them to respond to the hot coolant before that heat migrates to the thermostat and causes it to open. That makes the gauge go up a little, then settle back down when the coolant starts to circulate. Eventually it will even out and the gauge will stay steady.